Kinneret Swim Event Postponed Due to Brain-Eating Amoeba Fears

The annual Kinneret Swim, Israel's largest open-water community event, originally scheduled for September 19, has been postponed to November 14, 2026. The decision was made by the event's production team in consultation with professional bodies, including the National Institute of Oceanography, and following a Health Ministry advisory. The postponement is linked to concerns over the 'brain-eating amoeba' (Naegleria fowleri), after a 9-year-old boy was hospitalized in serious condition due to infection. Organizers stated that the new date was chosen because water temperatures are expected to meet Health Ministry guidelines by then, allowing the event to proceed safely. All purchased tickets will remain valid for the new date, with options for full refunds available for those unable to attend, provided cancellation is made up to a week before the event. The production team expressed gratitude for participants' understanding and anticipation for the rescheduled event.